Updated : 04/22/2024

Overview

Watertown adopts the Wisconsin "Uniform Dwelling Code–SPS 320-325 and all amendments. Watertown Code, Sec. 13.03 Codes Adopted by Reference.  Section 13.03 also provides that the adoption "shall apply to all additions and alterations of existing one and two family dwellings." Id.  So, theoretcially, the dwelling code would not apply to repairs as they are note mentioned.  Note, however, the code indicates that the municpal code extends to not only new buildings and structures erected within the City of Watertown but also to additions, alterations, repairs and changes of use or occupancy in all such buildings and structures. Watertown Code, Sec. 13.02 Scope of Code.  This muddies the waters a little bit; however, the specific adoption seem to omit repairs.  That would seemingly open a fair argument to say that it doesn't apply to repairs.

 

For commercial property, Watertown adopts the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code-Chs. SPS 360-366, Wisconsin Administrative Code; Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning—Ch. SPS 364, Wisconsin Administrative Code; and Existing Buildings–Chs. SPS 366, Wisconsin Administrative Code.  Watertown Code, Sec. 13.03 Codes Adopted by Reference.

Note that Wisconsin adopted the 2009 IBC.  It applies to "code applies to all public buildings and places of employment" with certain exception.  See Wis. Admin. Code § 361.02. The Code defines "public buildings" and "places of employment." Id.

Additional requirements and amendments can be found in Wis. Admin. Code § 362.

The highest authority is reserved by the state. See Wis. Admin. Code § 361.03. However, local jurisdictions may adopt stricter standard that are not in conflict. Id.  Furthermore, local jurisdiction, including counties, may take on inspection and review responsibilities.  See Wis. Admin. Code § 361.60. 

Wisconsin adopted the2009 IEBC, subject to the modifications specified in chapter SPS 366.

 

Helpful resources for Watertown, Wisconsin include the following.

• PLRB, Ordinance and Law Coverage Discussion for Wisconsin

Residential Building Code

Wisconsin adopted a statewide mandatory residential code that will control. Authority for local amendments will be limited.See PLRB, Wisconsin Building Codes for more information on state level codes.

Watertown adopted the Wisconsin Uniform Residential CodeYou can find a copy of the code here.You can find information about amendments to the model code here.

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Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code(City of Watertown , WI Municipal Code)

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Comments

Watertown adopts the Wisconsin "Uniform Dwelling Code–SPS 320-325 and all amendments. Watertown Code, Sec. 13.03 Codes Adopted by Reference. 

Existing Buildings

Existing buildings, meaning buildings that were built in accordance to code at the time of construction, typically merit extra consideration in a current updated code.

Section 13.03 fo the Watertown Building Code provides that the adoption of the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code, which only applies to new construction, additions and alterations for buildings constructed after 1980 absent amendment, "shall apply to all additions and alterations of existing one and two family dwellings." Id. Theoretcially, the dwelling code might not apply to repairs as they are note mentioned.  Note, however, the code indicates that the municpal code extends to not only new buildings and structures erected within the City of Watertown but also to additions, alterations, repairs and changes of use or occupancy in all such buildings and structures. Watertown Code, Sec. 13.02 Scope of Code.  This muddies the waters a little bit; however, the specific adoption seem to omit repairs.  That would seemingly open a fair argument to say that it doesn't apply to repairs.

Commercial Building Code

Watertown adopted the 1996 BOCA National Building CodeYou can find a copy of the code here.You can find information about amendments to the model code here.

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. 2020 Bldg. Code of New York State, except NYC (2018 IBC)(City of Watertown , WI Municipal Code)

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Comments

Watertown adopts the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code-Chs. SPS 360-366, Wisconsin Administrative Code; Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning—Ch. SPS 364, Wisconsin Administrative Code; and Existing Buildings–Chs. SPS 366, Wisconsin Administrative Code.  Watertown Code, Sec. 13.03 Codes Adopted by Reference.

Note that Wisconsin adopted the 2009 IBC.  It applies to "code applies to all public buildings and places of employment" with certain exception.  See Wis. Admin. Code § 361.02. The Code defines "public buildings" and "places of employment." Id.

Additional requirements and amendments can be found in Wis. Admin. Code § 362.

The highest authority is reserved by the state. See Wis. Admin. Code § 361.03. However, local jurisdictions may adopt stricter standard that are not in conflict. Id.  Furthermore, local jurisdiction, including counties, may take on inspection and review responsibilities.  See Wis. Admin. Code § 361.60. 

Wisconsin adopted the2009 IEBC, subject to the modifications specified in chapter SPS 366.

Existing Buildings

Watertown adopts the Wisconsin Existing Buildings–Chs. SPS 366, Wisconsin Administrative Code.  Watertown Code, Sec. 13.03 Codes Adopted by Reference.  Wisconsin adopted the2009 IEBC, subject to the modifications specified in chapter SPS 366.

Other Building Codes